Control device for wirelessly controlling at least one component of a bicycle

ABSTRACT

A control device for a bicycle is arranged or can be arranged on the handlebar of the bicycle and serves to wirelessly drive at least one electronic, electrical, electromechanical or electrohydraulic component of the bicycle. The control device includes an operator control arrangement which has at least one manually operable operator control element and is designed to respond to operation of the operator control element and to output electrical signals which represent the operation. The control device also includes at least one electronic circuit arrangement comprising a radio communication circuit and a control circuit which is connected or can be connected to the operator control arrangement. The control device also may include at least one antenna which is connected or can be connected to the radio communication circuit or which is integrated into the said communication circuit.

This application claims priority to, and/or the benefit of, Germanpatent application DE 10 2015 218 173.1, filed on Sep. 22, 2015 andGerman patent application DE 10 2016 010 801.0, filed on Sep. 12, 2016.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a control device for a bicycle, andspecifically to a control device that is arranged, or configured to bearranged, on a handlebar of a bicycle and serves to wirelessly controlat least one electronic, electrical, electromechanical, orelectrohydraulic component of the bicycle.

BACKGROUND

An electromechanical shift system is known from EP 2 719 616 A2 or DE 102013 016 777 A1 and can operate in accordance with the methods andprotocols disclosed in these publications. Examples of a shiftingmechanism which can be controlled, in principle, by a control device oroperating apparatus are provided by DE 10 2013 017 154 A1, whichdescribes a front shifting mechanism, and DE 10 2013 015 946 A1, whichdescribes a rear shifting mechanism.

Given the background of this prior art, it is the object of the presentinvention to provide a control device for at least one bicycle componentas is described herein.

SUMMARY AND DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment, a control device is arranged or can be arranged on ahandlebar of the bicycle and serves to wirelessly drive at least oneelectronic, electrical, electromechanical or electrohydraulic componentof the bicycle. The control device includes an operator controlarrangement which has at least one manually operable operator controlelement and is designed to respond to operation of the operator controlelement in a first and a second direction and to output electricalsignals which represent the operations, the operator control elementconfigured to be operated with less force in the first direction thanthe second direction to output the electrical signals. The controldevice also includes at least one electronic circuit arrangementcomprising a radio communication circuit, a control circuit which isconnected or can be connected to the operator control arrangement, andat least one antenna which is connected or can be connected to the radiocommunication circuit or which is integrated into the said communicationcircuit. The control circuit is designed to transmit wireless controlcommands to the at least one electronic, electrical, electromechanicalor electrohydraulic component of the bicycle or to a command unit whichis connected or can be connected to the said component by cable or in awireless manner by the radio communication circuit and the antenna onthe basis of electrical signals which are received by the operatorcontrol arrangement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example of a control device according to an embodimentwhich comprises a grip unit which is arranged on a bicycle handlebar.

FIG. 2 shows the grip unit in the form of an exploded illustration, witha sleeve-like holder element which is to be fitted to the handlebar andhas an integrated operator control lever and a sleeve-like rubber gripelement which is illustrated separately and is seated on the outercircumference of the holder element according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows the handlebar in the form of an exploded illustration, witha clamping ring, the grip unit which is formed from the holder elementand the rubber grip element, an associated electronics unit which is tobe at least partially accommodated in the interior of the handlebar, afurther clamping ring and a covering cap which form the arrangementaccording to FIG. 1 in the finally assembled state.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the arrangement according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows the arrangement according to FIG. 3 without the grip unit,with an exploded illustration of the electronics unit.

FIG. 6 shows, in subfigures 6 a and 6 b, an alternative control deviceaccording to an embodiment which uses the same electronics unit inconnection with a normal handlebar grip and a separate operator controlunit on the end of the handlebar. FIG. 6a shows an exploded illustrationaccording to FIG. 5. FIG. 6b shows the electronics unit and operatorcontrol unit in the state in which they are plugged together andinserted into the handlebar tube, without an associated handlebar grip.

FIGS. 7-13 schematically show further design variants.

FIG. 14 shows a further example of a control device according to anembodiment which exhibits a unit which is arranged on the bicyclehandlebar, surrounds the handlebar in an annular manner and has anintegrated operator control lever.

FIG. 15 shows an exploded view of the arrangement according to FIG. 14,with the handlebar, a clamping ring, the mentioned unit with anintegrated operator control lever, and a separate grip element.

FIG. 16 shows the components of FIG. 15 in an exploded illustration in astate in which the components are highly simplified, from anotherviewing direction.

FIG. 17 schematically shows a printed circuit board arrangement of theunit which has the operator control lever.

FIGS. 18-23 show further design variants and exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 24 shows a further embodiment of the control device according to anembodiment, which is mounted together with a brake lever by means of aclamp and an adapter to the bicycle handlebar.

FIG. 25a shows the control device of FIG. 24 with the clamp and theadapter in a state not mounted to the handlebar.

FIG. 25b shows the control device of FIG. 25a without the clamp.

FIG. 25c shows the control device of FIG. 25b without the operatingelement.

FIG. 25d shows the operating element of the control device only.

FIG. 26 shows another embodiment of the control device according to anembodiment with an alternative clamp design for mounting on thehandlebar

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A control device with a radio communication circuit has the advantageouseffect over the conventional wired transmission of control commands thatit is possible to dispense with laying transmission lines for electricalsignal transmission. This results in considerably greater freedom forarranging the control device on the handlebar. Connection cables, whichcould be damaged, can be dispensed with and the vehicle frame does notneed to have any fittings for laying connection cables, for example intube interiors.

The text which follows is concerned with design options for a controldevice according to an embodiment which each may independently haveinventive character.

According to a first refinement, it is provided that the electroniccircuit arrangement which is arranged concentrated in one spatial regionor extends along a non-linear line of extension has a printed circuitboard arrangement, comprising at least one printed circuit board whichis of flexible design at least in regions or a plurality of printedcircuit boards which are connected by means of flexible conductors. Theconcentrated arrangement of the electronic circuit arrangement in aspatial region and also the electronic circuit arrangement, whichextends along a line of extension and is arranged distributed along theline of extension to a certain extent, enable a space-saving arrangementof the control device on or in a bicycle handlebar. An attractiveappearance to the cyclist or potential cyclists or purchasers and goodergonomics for the cyclist can also be achieved in this way. In thiscontext, it can expediently be provided that the electronic circuitarrangement is arranged or can be arranged at least partially adjacentto one end of the handlebar.

The general idea is that the control device comprises a plurality ofunits which are connected or can be connected to one another.Specifically, the control device according to an embodiment can bedistinguished by a plurality of units which are connected or can beconnected in a wireless manner or by means of a cable arrangement andeach are arranged or can be arranged as a separate component on or inthe handlebar.

According to a first variant, the control device comprises an operatorcontrol unit which has the operator control arrangement, a control unitwhich has at least the control circuit and, if desired, the radiocommunication circuit, and an antenna unit which has the antenna.

According to a second variant, the control device comprises an operatorcontrol unit which has the operator control arrangement, and a controlunit which has the control circuit, the radio communication circuit andthe antenna.

According to a third variant, the control device comprises a first unitwhich has the operator control arrangement and the control circuit, anda second unit which has the antenna, wherein the first or the secondunit also has the radio communication circuit.

According to a fourth variant, the control device comprises an operatorcontrol unit which has the operator control arrangement and the antenna,and a control unit which has the control circuit, wherein the operatorcontrol unit or the control unit also has the radio communicationcircuit.

As a development, it is proposed that a grip unit is designed such thatit is integrated with the operator control unit or/and with the antennaunit, wherein the operator control unit may be provided in a region ofthe grip unit which is closer to the centre of the handlebar, and theantenna unit may be provided outside a grip region of the grip unit byway of which grip region a cyclist is intended to grasp the grip unit.A/the grip unit can advantageously be designed with an integrated cablearrangement or with a guide for a separate cable arrangement forconnecting a plurality of the components mentioned.

Overall, this results in a large number of degrees of freedom for thebicycle component developer in respect of specific refinements in orderto meet design-related, ergonomic and other requirements.

As an alternative, the control device can be distinguished by a unitwhich has the operator control arrangement, the control circuit, theradio communication circuit and the antenna and forms a component whichis arranged or can be arranged on or in the handlebar. In this case, thecontrol device can advantageously have a fastener or fastening means forfastening the unit to a grip unit, and in an embodiment to an end of thegrip unit which is remote from the centre of the handlebar.

Particular embodiments and design variants are distinguished by one ormore of the features mentioned in the text which follows.

According to one first design approach, it is provided that theelectronic circuit arrangement is accommodated or can be accommodated atleast partially within a hollow section of the handlebar. According to asecond design approach, it is provided that the electronic circuitarrangement is arranged or can be arranged such that it extends at leastpartially around an outer circumference of the handlebar at least inregions.

It is also possible to combine the two design approaches. Therefore, itis also proposed that the electronic circuit arrangement is accommodatedor can be accommodated at least partially within a hollow section of thehandlebar and is arranged or can be arranged such that it extends atleast partially around an outer circumference of the handlebar at leastin regions.

As a development, it is proposed in this context that the or at leastone antenna is accommodated in the hollow section of the handlebar orprojects out of the hollow section of the handlebar at one end of thehandlebar, or is arranged adjacent to this end. This proposal makesparticular sense in connection with the first design approach.

Owing to the at least partial arrangement of the electronic circuitarrangement or the antenna in the hollow section of the handlebar or, ingeneral, a hollow component of the bicycle, possibly also a section ofthe bicycle frame, for example the head tube (also called steerer tubeor steering tube), installation space which is conventionally unused isused for accommodating the said important functional components. Thiscomponent is well protected against environmental influences in thehollow section of the handlebar (or frame) and the need to provide anyreceptacles on the outside of the handlebar is accordingly avoided.Therefore, in general, hollow components and regions of the bicycle orframe are taken into consideration for accommodating the relevantcomponents, in particular electronic components. Hollow components ofthis kind are, for example, hollow sections in the handlebar, in thehandlebar stem, in the handlebar attachment for example for triathlonbicycles, in the fork stem and also—as already stated—in the bicycleframe in general.

Primarily (but not exclusively) in connection with the second designapproach, the or at least one antenna may be arranged or can be arrangedon an outer side of the handlebar such that it is offset in relation toa grip of the handlebar in the direction of the centre of the handlebar.For the second design approach, it is further proposed that the printedcircuit board which is of flexible design at least in regions or theprinted circuit boards which are connected by means of flexibleconductors extend or can be arranged so as to extend around the outercircumference of the handlebar at least in regions. The availableinstallation space is therefore used efficiently.

The general idea is that the antenna is supported by a/the printedcircuit board arrangement of the electronic circuit arrangement, whereinthe printed circuit board arrangement is accommodated or can beaccommodated at least partially within a hollow section of the handlebaror is arranged or can be arranged such that it extends around an outercircumference of the handlebar at least in regions. A housing whichaccommodates the electronic circuit arrangement and, if desired, theantenna and is inserted or can be inserted into the hollow section ofthe handlebar at least in regions, or is mounted or can be mounted onthe outer circumference of the handlebar, can be provided.

As regards accommodating the housing at least partially in the hollowsection of the handlebar as is the object of the first design approach,the idea is that the housing is accommodated or can be accommodatedentirely in the hollow section of the handlebar, or has an inner housingsection which is accommodated or can be accommodated in the hollowsection of the handlebar, and has an outer housing section whichprojects beyond one end of the handlebar, wherein the outer housingsection may have a larger outside diameter than the inner housingsection.

In as much as an outer housing section which projects beyond one end ofthe handlebar is provided, the said outer housing section can beequipped with a protective cap, so that this outer housing section isprotected against impacts, for example as a result of the parked bicycletipping over or a crash during cycling. Instead of a protective capwhich fulfils only a protective function, an operator control unit whichmay be designed as a protective cap and at least partially covers theouter housing section can be provided, the said operator control unitforming the operator control arrangement and having, for example, anoperator control button as operator control element. An operator controlunit of this kind at the end of the handlebar can also come intoconsideration when the housing is accommodated entirely in the hollowsection of the handlebar.

With regards to designing the housing to be mounted on the outercircumference of the handlebar as is the object of the second designapproach, it is proposed, as a development, that the housing has anannular or sleeve-like housing section which extends around thehandlebar.

The housing can expediently have a receptacle for at least onereplaceable battery by way of which electrical energy can be supplied tothe electronic circuit arrangement. The battery may also be arechargeable battery. The receptacle may be accessible by opening ahousing closure or by disconnecting a plurality of separate housingsections. Two housing half-shells which are put together or can be puttogether to form the housing are considered to be particularly expedientin this context.

An embodiment having a plurality of units which are connected to oneanother is distinguished in that the control unit has the housing and isconnected or can be connected to the separate operator control unitor/and to the separate antenna unit by means of at least one plugconnector arrangement. In this case, it can advantageously be providedthat the control unit is connected or can be connected to the operatorcontrol unit by means of the plug connector arrangement and a cablearrangement which is guided through a/the grip unit.

According to an advantageous alternative refinement, it is provided thatthe operator control unit is inserted or can be inserted into areceptacle in the control unit or/and into an end section of the hollowhandlebar so as to establish the connection of the operator control unitto the control unit by means of the plug connector arrangement.

According to a further advantageous possibility, it is provided that theoperator control unit is integrated into a/the grip unit or is arrangedor can be arranged on the handlebar adjacent to the grip unit in thedirection of the centre of the handlebar, and the control unit isconnected or can be connected to the operator control arrangement bymeans of the plug connector arrangement and a cable arrangement which isguided through the grip unit.

The general idea is that the operator control unit or a/the grip unithas the antenna, or that a/the grip unit, which is separate from thecontrol unit and the operator control unit, has the antenna.

A further embodiment according to the second design approach isdistinguished in that the electronic circuit arrangement or the printedcircuit board arrangement thereof extends over a circumferential angleof at least 180 degrees, preferably of at least 240 degrees, extremelypreferably of at least 300 degrees, around the outer circumference ofthe handlebar. According to the second design approach, it can furtheradvantageously be provided that the housing has the at least oneoperator control element in a first circumferential angle region, andhas the receptacle for the at least one battery in a secondcircumferential angle region which is offset in relation to the firstcircumferential angle region.

It is also possible within the scope of the invention that the controldevice comprises a housing which is held on the outside of the handlebarand which contains the electronic circuit arrangement and the antenna. Afastening apparatus which fixes the housing on the handlebar, and in anembodiment surrounds the handlebar in an annular manner, can be usedexpediently in this case. The housing can project laterally from thefastening apparatus in the direction of the centre of the handlebar. Aparticular refinement is distinguished in that the fastening apparatushas the operator control arrangement.

Without restricting the general nature, the invention also provides thefollowing subjects:

1. An operating apparatus for a bicycle, for electrically and, inparticular, wirelessly operating components which are associated withthe bicycle, in particular shifting components, spring components andthe like, wherein the operating apparatus has:

a radio means for transmitting and/or receiving radio waves;

an operating means, in particular a switch, which is connected to theradio means by means of an electrical conductor, for operating the radiomeans; and

an antenna which is connected to the radio means,

characterized in that the antenna is arranged within a hollow section ofa handlebar, which is arranged on the bicycle, at least in sections.

2. Operating apparatus according to Subject 1, characterized in that theantenna is arranged entirely within the hollow section of the handlebar.

3. Operating apparatus according to either of the preceding subjects,characterized in that the antenna is electrically insulated from thehandlebar tube.

4. Operating apparatus according to one of the preceding subjects,characterized in that the radio means is arranged within the hollowsection of the handlebar at least in sections.

5. Operating apparatus according to one of Subjects 1 to 3,characterized in that the radio means is arranged entirely within thehollow section of the handlebar.

6. Operating apparatus according to one of the preceding subjects,characterized in that the antenna is in the form of an antenna from thegroup comprising flat antennas, group antennas, linear antennas,magnetic antennas or reflector antennas.

7. Operating apparatus according to one of the preceding subjects,characterized in that the antenna is in the form of a chip antenna whichis connected to the radio means, wherein the chip antenna may bearranged together with the radio means on a common printed circuitboard.

8. Operating apparatus according to one of the preceding subjects,characterized in that the antenna is in the form of a wire antenna whichextends approximately along ⅛ of the width of the handlebar, preferablyapproximately along ¼ of the width of the handlebar, more preferablyapproximately along ½ of the width of the handlebar, and particularlypreferably approximately along the entire width of the handlebar.

9. Operating apparatus according to one of the preceding claims,characterized in that the radio means operates in a UHF (Ultra HighFrequency) frequency band, preferably in the range of betweenapproximately 0.3 GHz and 3 GHz and particularly preferably in the rangeof between approximately 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz, or in that the radio meansoperates in an SHF (Super High Frequency) frequency band in the range ofbetween approximately 3 GHz and 30 GHz, preferably in the range ofbetween approximately 3.4 GHz and 3.6 GHz, more preferably in the rangeof between approximately 5 GHz and 6 GHz and particularly preferably inthe range of between approximately 5.7 GHz and 5.9 GHz.

10. Operating apparatus according to one of the preceding subjects,characterized in that a first section of the electrical conductor isarranged outside the handlebar, and a second section of the electricalconductor is arranged within the handlebar.

11. Operating apparatus according to one of the preceding subjects,characterized in that a second operating means is provided, and thesecond operating means is electrically connected to a radio module bymeans of a second electrical conductor, wherein a first section of thesecond electrical conductor is arranged outside the handlebar, and asecond section of the second electrical conductor is arranged within thehandlebar.

12. Operating apparatus according to Subject 11, characterized in thatthe first electrical conductor, which is connected to the firstoperating means, is connected to a first radio means, and the secondelectrical conductor, which is connected to the second operating means,is connected to a second radio means.

13. Operating apparatus according to Subject 11, characterized in thatthe first electrical conductor, which is connected to the firstoperating means, and the second electrical conductor, which is connectedto the second operating means, are connected to the same radio means.

14. Operating apparatus according to one of Subjects 10 to 13,characterized in that a protection apparatus for protecting againstmechanical damage to the electrical conductor is provided at thejunction between the first and the second section of the electricalconductor.

15. Operating apparatus according to one of the preceding subjects,characterized in that the electrical conductor forms the antenna.

16. Operating apparatus according to one of the preceding subjects,characterized in that the operating apparatus further has a grip,wherein the operating means is arranged on the grip, and in particularis integrally formed on the grip at least in sections.

17. Operating apparatus according to one of the preceding subjects,characterized in that the antenna has a centre axis which runs at adefined angle (α) in relation to the centre axis of the handlebar,wherein this angle (α) is preferably approximately 45°, more preferablyapproximately 60° to 75°, and particularly preferably approximately 90°.

18. Operating apparatus according to one of the preceding subjects,characterized in that the antenna has a centre axis which runs in askewed manner in relation to the centre axis of the handlebar.

19. Operating apparatus according to one of Subjects 1 to 18,characterized in that the antenna has a centre axis which runsapproximately parallel, and in an embodiment approximately coaxially, inrelation to the centre axis of the handlebar.

20. Operating apparatus according to one of Subjects 1 to 19,characterized in that the antenna has a winding, in particular a helicalwinding, wherein the outside diameter of the winding correspondsapproximately to the inside diameter of the hollow section of thehandlebar.

21. Operating apparatus according to one of the preceding subjects,characterized in that the electrical conductor is routed through a borewhich is provided in the handlebar.

22. Operating apparatus according to one of the preceding subjects,characterized in that the handlebar has a first electrical contactpoint, and the grip has a second electrical contact point, wherein thetwo contact points are arranged relative to one another in such a waythat, when the grip is pushed onto the handlebar approximately over theentire circumference, the two contact points come into electricallyconductive contact with one another at least in sections.

23. Operating apparatus according to one of the preceding subjects,characterized in that a first contact point, which is provided on thehandlebar, is connected to the radio means by means of an electricalconductor, in particular by means of a ribbon cable.

24. Operating apparatus according to one of the preceding subjects,characterized in that the operating means is arranged on the handle atleast in sections and can be moved in a rotary and/or translatorymanner.

25. Operating apparatus according to one of the preceding subjects,characterized in that the radio module has a power supply which isarranged within the hollow section of the handlebar at least insections.

26. Bicycle having an operating apparatus according to one of thepreceding subjects.

The inventive operating apparatus according to these subjects can bepart of a control device according to an embodiment or can form saidcontrol device.

A control device or operating apparatus of this kind can be part of anelectromechanical shift system of the kind known from EP 2 719 616 A2 orDE 10 2013 016 777 A1 and can operate in accordance with the methods andprotocols disclosed in these publications. Specifically, the controldevice or operating apparatus according to an embodiment can serve as aleft-hand side or right-hand side shift unit (“left shift unit”, “rightshift unit”) according to the disclosure of EP 2 719 616 A2 andaccordingly be designed to control shifting states of at least oneelectromechanical gear shifting device or to shift between differentgears, for example of a front electromechanical derailleur and a rearelectromechanical derailleur of an electromechanical derailleur systemof a bicycle.

Examples of a shifting mechanism which can be controlled, in principle,by a control device or operating apparatus according to an embodimentare provided by DE 10 2013 017 154 A1, which describes a front shiftingmechanism, and DE 10 2013 015 946 A1, which describes a rear shiftingmechanism. A front shifting mechanism of this kind and a rear shiftingmechanism of this kind can be paired with a control device according toan embodiment by means of the radio communication circuit in order tocouple the control device to a specific shifting mechanism. By way ofexample, the electronic circuit arrangement of the control device and anelectronic circuit arrangement of the shifting mechanism can each bedesigned with a pairing operating element in order to assign the controldevice and the shifting mechanism to one another.

It can be provided that the control device and the shifting mechanismand also—if provided—possibly an interposed command unit are designedfor bidirectional wireless signal transmission, so that the respectivelydriven component can report back confirmation signals or the like.

In as much as the concern here is that the control device is arranged orcan be arranged on or in a handlebar of a bicycle, and in as much asreference is made to a hollow section of the handlebar or the outercircumference of the handlebar or an end of the handlebar, it should benoted that the term “handlebar” is intended to be understood verygenerally. The said term is primarily intended to mean that bicyclecomponent which can also be called a hand holder and is connected to thefork of the bicycle and is rotatably mounted together with the said forkand serves to control the bicycle (primarily when travelling slowly) andis customary in various forms, for example as a so-called standardhandlebar, MTB handlebar, racing handlebar, time trial handlebar, BMXhandlebar, trick handlebar, bicycle polo handlebar, bullhorn handlebarand combination handlebar. Reference is made to the corresponding keywords and handlebar subtypes, some of which have been mentioned above,in the technical book “Smolik, Etzel: Das groBe Fahrradlexikon; Technik,Praxis, Material von A bis Z” [The Big Bicycle Encyclopaedia;Engineering, Practice, Material from A to Z], 1997, BielefelderVerlagsanstalt GmbH & Co KG, first edition. However, the term“handlebar” is also intended to cover so-called “handlebar adapters” and“handlebar attachments”, specifically, for example, extensions orattachments, which are screwed or clamped to the actual handlebar, forincreasing the number of grip options for the cyclist and for allowingspecial positions. Examples include so-called “bar ends” and so-called“triathlon handlebars” or “tri-bracket” (tri handlebar).

Finally, the fork stem (also called fork stem tube), which isaccommodated in the head tube of the frame, and the front stem, whichconnects the handlebar to the fork stem, together with associatedcomponents such as front stem cap and clip, are also intended to becovered by the term “handlebar”.

In spite of this very general understanding of the term “handlebar”which forms the basis here, the handlebar in the narrower sense and thehandlebar adapter and handlebar attachments mentioned, which serve ashand holders and for supporting a portion of the cyclist's weight by wayof his hands and/or arms and are used in various refinements, areprimarily considered in connection with preferred embodiments and/orrefinements of the control device according to an embodiment, however.Without restricting the general nature, reference is made to handlebarsand handlebar adapters and/or handlebar attachments which are disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 7,207,237 B2, DE 20 2013 004 765 U1, EP 2 703 275 A2,EP 2 253 531 B1 and EP 1 582 452 B1.

As regards a front stem which is wholly suitable for arranging a controldevice according to an embodiment or at least a portion of said controldevice, reference is made to US 2010/0127030 A1, without restricting thegeneral nature.

The invention and the design approaches and design options mentionedabove will be explained below with reference to a plurality of exemplaryembodiments, with reference to the appended figures.

A first exemplary embodiment of a control device according to anembodiment for a bicycle is illustrated in various views in FIGS. 1 to5. The said figures show a handlebar 10 which is equipped with a grip 12according to FIG. 1, in the present case with the right-hand side gripfrom the view of the cyclist riding the bicycle.

An important constituent part of the grip 12 is a grip unit 14,illustrated in FIG. 2, which is formed by a sleeve-like holder element14 a and a sleeve-like rubber grip element 14 b which is supported onthe outside by this holder element.

The sleeve-like holder element 14 a is equipped with an electricaloperator control arrangement 16, here an operator control leverarrangement 16, in its end region which is remote from the handlebarend, the said operator control lever arrangement having an operatorcontrol lever 18 which can be pivoted in the circumferential directionand with which the cyclist can transmit control commands to anelectronic, electrical, electromechanical or electrohydraulic componentof the bicycle, for example to an electromechanical derailleur system ofthe bicycle. The operator control lever 18 can also be configureddifferently, for example with a free end which satisfies ergonomicrequirements and on which, for example, the cyclist can act using histhumbs in order to operate the operator control lever 18 in oppositeoperating directions. In addition or as an alternative, the lever couldalso be pivotable in other directions. As an alternative, pushbuttonoperator control could be provided.

A sleeve body 20 of the sleeve-like holder element 14 a, which sleevebody is still to be equipped with the electrical operator control leverarrangement, can be produced with the rubber grip element 14 b bycoextrusion, in a deviation from the two-part configuration shown inFIG. 2.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded illustration of the arrangement according toFIG. 1. Said figure shows two clamping rings 22 and 24 which secure thegrip unit 14 to the handlebar, and an electronics unit 26 which is to beinserted into the interior of the handlebar, and a covering cap 28 whichis secured to an end region of the sleeve-like holder element 14 a,which end region is associated with the handlebar end, by the clampingring 24.

As shown in the sectional view of FIG. 4, the electronics unit 26projects out of the end of the handlebar tube 10 by way of a section oflarger diameter and is covered and protected by the covering cap 28. Theelectronics unit 26 has a housing 30 comprising two half-shells 30 a and30 b which accommodate an electronic circuit arrangement comprising aradio communication circuit and an antenna. Reference is additionallymade to FIG. 5 in this respect.

The electrical operator control lever arrangement 16 is connected to theelectronics unit 26 by means of an electrical connection cable 40 whichis routed through a cable guide of the sleeve-like holder element 14 aand ends in an electrical plug connector 42. To this end, the electricalplug connector 42 is inserted into an electrical plug connectorreceptacle 44 in the interior of the housing 30, for which reason thehousing is designed with an insertion opening 46 in the end region oflarger diameter.

Components of the electronics unit 26 are an electrical power supplywhich is formed by an energy source 50, in the case of the example bytwo batteries or button cells 50, a printed circuit board 52 whichsupports the electronic circuit arrangement comprising the radiocommunication circuit and the antenna, together with the electrical plugconnector receptacle 44 and a “pairing” pushbutton 56 which serves formutual assignment in the sense of so-called “pairing” of the controldevice and the associated electronic, electrical, electromechanical orelectrohydraulic component of the bicycle. In FIG. 5, the antenna isidentified by 58. As is clear from FIG. 5 in conjunction with FIG. 4,the antenna is arranged in the end region, which is arranged outside thehandlebar, of enlarged diameter of the electronics unit for a good radiocommunication connection to the component of the bicycle which is to bedriven. To this end, the covering cap 28 is produced from a materialwhich is highly permeable to radio waves, for example a plasticmaterial.

The electronics unit 26 can also be used without the grip unit 14, forexample in combination with an operator control unit 60 which isindependent of the grip, can be designed with an integrated plugconnector 62 and can be inserted into the insertion opening 46immediately from the outside in order to establish the electricalconnection with the plug connector receptacle 44, this resulting in thearrangement shown in FIG. 6b . The individual components are shown inFIG. 6a in an illustration which corresponds to FIG. 5. An operatorcontrol element 64, for example an operator control button 64, isprovided at the free end of the operator control unit 60, it beingpossible for control commands for the electronic, electrical,electromechanical or electrohydraulic component of the bicycle, whichcomponent is to be driven, to be transmitted by way of the said operatorcontrol element.

The arrangement according to FIG. 6 is frequently further provided witha handlebar grip which then may cover not only the end region of thehandlebar 10 but also the section of enlarged diameter of theelectronics unit 26 and the adjacent section of identical diameter ofthe operator control unit 60.

FIGS. 7 to 13 schematically show further exemplary embodiments anddesign variants. The same reference symbols as in FIGS. 1 to 6 are usedin each case, respectively increased by 100, and only the differencesfrom the exemplary embodiment already described above or the exemplaryembodiments already described above or the special features areexplained in each case.

According to the variant shown in FIG. 7, the electronics unit,represented by its printed circuit board 152 and a battery 150, isaccommodated entirely in the interior of the hollow handlebar 110 in theend region of the said handlebar. The hollow space is closed off to theoutside by a cover cap 170. Electrical connections, firstly between theprinted circuit board 152 and the battery 150 and secondly between theprinted circuit board 152 and an operator control arrangement 116, herean operator control lever arrangement 116 of the handlebar grip 112comprising an operator control lever 118, are illustrated in dashedlines. The printed circuit board 152 supports an electronic controlcircuit comprising a radio communication circuit and an antenna 158.

The connection line from the printed circuit board 152 to the operatorcontrol lever arrangement 116 is routed out of the handlebar tube andthrough a cable guide arrangement, which is integrated into the grip, tothe operator control lever arrangement 116. As illustrated in FIG. 8,the handlebar 110 can be designed with a radially open cut-out 172 inits end region for the purpose of improved exit of radio waves from thehandlebar tube and—in the case of a bidirectional radio connection—forimproved entry of radio waves into the interior of the handlebar.However, given a sufficient transmission power, the radio coupling bymeans of the open end of the handlebar tube is sufficient, for whichpurpose the cover cap 170 should of course be produced from a materialwhich is permeable to radio waves.

FIG. 8 also differs from FIG. 7 in that a clamping ring 124 whichsecures the grip unit 114 to the handlebar is illustrated. Therefore,the arrangements according to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 can be designed suchthat the electronics unit is an integral constituent part of a handlebarend covering which replaces or encloses the cover cap.

FIG. 9 shows a design variant in which the electronics unit is held inthe interior of the handlebar by means of a special holder arrangement274. The antenna is arranged outside the handlebar. In this region, theelectronics unit is protected by a covering 228.

The arrangement according to FIG. 9 can also be designed such that theelectronics unit is an integral constituent part of a handlebar endcovering which encloses the covering 228.

The design variant according to FIG. 10 differs from the solutionaccording to FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 in that the electronics unit which isaccommodated in the interior of the handlebar does not have an antennaon the printed circuit board 352, but rather is connected to an antennawhich is arranged externally in the region of the clamping ring 324 bymeans of a connection line illustrated in dashed lines. To this end, theclamping ring is produced from a material which is permeable to radiowaves. The antenna could also be provided at a different location, inparticular integrated into the grip unit 314.

The electronics unit can advantageously be an integral constituent partof a handlebar end cover which could enclose a section which correspondsto the cover cap 370 and the associated electronics unit.

FIG. 11 shows a further example which moves in this direction. In thisdesign variant, the antenna 458 is integrated into the electricaloperator control arrangement 416. The connection line arrangement,illustrated in dashed lines, therefore connects both the antenna andsignal transmitter elements of the electrical operator controlarrangement to the electronics unit which is represented by the printedcircuit board 452 and the energy source 450. This electrical connectionarrangement is routed out of the handlebar tube end and routed through aguide of the grip element 414 to the operator control arrangement 416.

The electronic unit can, for its part, be an integral constituent partof a handlebar end cover.

According to FIG. 12, the connection lines are routed from theelectronics unit, which is schematically represented by the printedcircuit board 552 and the energy source 550, firstly to the operatorcontrol arrangement 516 and secondly to the antenna 558, which isarranged on an outer circumference of the handlebar, through arespective passage opening in the handlebar tube 510. The handlebarcould be pre-equipped with connection elements of correspondinglyintegral design. In this variant too, it is expedient when theelectronics unit is an integral constituent part of a handlebar endcovering.

FIG. 13 schematically shows a design variant which moves in thedirection of the solution according to FIG. 6, but with the electronicsunit accommodated entirely in the interior of the handlebar and anassociated separate operator control unit 660 at the handlebar end, witha direct connection to the electronics unit, for example in accordancewith FIG. 6, or in connection with said electronics unit by means of aconnection line arrangement. A solution of this kind is particularlyexpedient for a racing bracket or a triathlon handlebar. The handlebarcan be designed with a radially open cut-out in accordance with thecutout 172 of FIG. 8 for improved radio wave coupling of the antenna658. The operator control unit 660 should, as far as possible, becomposed of a material which is permeable to radio waves, that is to saya suitable plastic for example.

A second exemplary embodiment of a control device according to anembodiment for a bicycle is illustrated in various views in FIGS. 14 to17. As far as is expedient, the same reference symbols as in thepreceding figures, increased by 100, will continue to be used forcorresponding or analogous components in each case.

The said figure shows a handlebar 710 which, according to FIG. 14, isequipped with a grip 712, in the present case with the right-hand sidegrip from the view of the cyclist riding the bicycle. A drive unit 726which is designed as an integral unit and which fulfils both thefunctions of the electronics units of the preceding exemplaryembodiments and the function of an electrical operator controlarrangement, in the present case an electrical operator control leverarrangement, is provided separately from the grip 717 which is formed bya suitable grip unit or a suitable grip element.

As shown more clearly in FIG. 15, the drive unit 726 is of annular orsleeve-like design, with a mounting passage opening 727 with which thedrive unit 726 is mounted on the handlebar, so that components which arecontained in an annular housing 729 of the drive unit extend around theouter circumference of the handlebar 710. A clamping ring 722, whichfirmly clamps the clamping tongues 731 of the drive unit 726 on theouter circumference of the handlebar 710, serves to secure the driveunit to the handlebar.

In the present exemplary embodiment, all relevant components of thecontrol device are integrated into the drive unit 726, including the atleast one antenna.

An operator control lever 718 is clearly shown in the figures. Theoperator control lever can be operated in the circumferential direction.However, the operator control lever could also be operable in anotherdirection. A pushbutton arrangement for pushbutton operation comes intoconsideration as an alternative.

FIG. 16 shows an exploded view of the arrangement according to FIG. 14.The said figure also shows a further clamping ring 724 which serves tofasten the grip 712 by firmly clamping tongues 713 to the outercircumference of the handlebar 710. The clamping rings 722 and 724 eachhave an associated clamping screw which is illustrated separately,likewise in exploded form.

Various constituent parts of the drive unit 726 are illustratedseparately in exploded form. In addition to the housing 729 and abattery compartment cover 733, the said figure also shows an operatorcontrol lever element 719, which provides the operator control lever718, and also a battery 750 and a schematically illustrated printedcircuit board arrangement 752. The said printed circuit boardarrangement extends in the circumferential direction around thehandlebar over a considerable circumferential angle and supports all ofthe necessary electronic components, including at least one antenna.

FIG. 17 shows a more specific illustrative representation of a suitableprinted circuit board arrangement 752, comprising a plurality of printedcircuit boards 755 which are connected to one another by means offlexible conductors 753. As an alternative, a printed circuit boardwhich is flexible at least in regions or in full or a plurality ofprinted circuit boards which are flexible at least in regions or in fullcould be used, the said printed circuit boards extending around theouter circumference of the handlebar at least in regions in the state inwhich the drive unit is mounted on the handlebar.

A battery compartment cover 733 which closes a battery receptacle of thedrive unit 726, which battery receptacle accommodates the battery 150and is shown beneath the cover in the figure, is provided according toFIG. 16. As an alternative, the drive unit could be designed with anintegrated rechargeable battery, with charging contacts on the outercircumference of the drive unit in order to be able to charge theintegrated rechargeable battery as required. The rechargeable batterycould also be easily coupleable to an associated housing section fromthe rest of the housing of the drive unit which remains on thehandlebar, for separate charging at a different location and then bere-coupled to the housing section which has remained on the handlebar,so as to establish the necessary electrical connections.

FIGS. 18 to 22 schematically show further exemplary embodiments anddesign variants. The same reference symbols as in FIGS. 14 to 17 areused in each case, respectively increased by 100, and only thedifferences from the exemplary embodiment already described above or theexemplary embodiments already described above or the special featuresare explained in each case.

According to FIG. 18 too, the drive unit 826 is of annular design, withan electronic arrangement which extends around the outer circumferenceof the handlebar over a considerable circumferential angle in themounted state and comprises a printed circuit board arrangement 852which is flexible at least in regions and supports the requiredelectronic components including at least one antenna and contacts for abattery 850. According to FIG. 18, the annular drive unit 826 is seatedon a sleeve element 820 of the grip 812. The operator control lever 818is located in the same axial region as the electronic circuitarrangement.

FIG. 19 corresponds to the arrangement according to FIG. 18. However,the electronic circuit arrangement and the integrated operator controllever arrangement comprising the operator control lever 918 (generallythe integrated operator control arrangement) are axially offset inrelation to one another in order to design the annular drive unit 926 tobe radially particularly compact.

FIG. 20 shows a design variant in which the electronic circuitarrangement is not distributed around the outer circumference of thehandlebar which supports the drive unit 1026, but rather is concentratedin a spatial region which is at a distance from the operator controlelement, predominantly the operator control lever 1018, in thecircumferential direction.

As in the other embodiments according to FIGS. 14 to 20, the electronicsand the antenna are arranged outside the handlebar in a drive unit whichsurrounds the handlebar in an annular manner according to FIG. 21 too.

The drive unit 1126 corresponds largely to the drive unit 826, but hassmaller radial dimensions on account of a design of the handlebar tube1110 with a section 1111 of smaller diameter on which the drive unit1126 is arranged. A compact and/or ergonomic configuration of the driveunit is possible in this way. In order to mount or arrange the driveunit on the handlebar, the drive unit could have two housing sectionswhich extend around the mounting opening, can be deflected for thepurpose of increasing the size of the opening and can be fixed to oneanother in the mounted state, or two separate housing half-shells.

An annular drive unit 1226 which is likewise mounted on the handlebar1110 is provided according to FIG. 22, the said drive unit beingdesigned with the at least one operator control element, in the presentcase the at least one operator control lever 1218, and a housingprojection 1280 which extends away from the ring section of the driveunit in an axial and radial manner and in which the electronic circuitarrangement comprising the antenna and the electrical power supply, inthe present case a battery or battery arrangement, is arranged and isconnected to the electrical operator control arrangement which isintegrated in the ring section, in the present case the operator controllever arrangement 1218 by means of a line connection, illustrated indashed lines.

FIG. 23 illustrates an alternative refinement in which, instead of ahousing projection to a ring section of the drive unit, a drive unit1326 which is arranged separately from the operator control arrangement,possibly operator control lever arrangement 1316, and can be fastened tothe handlebar is provided, the said drive unit containing all of thecomponents and constituent parts of the electronic drive arrangement,including battery and antenna, apart from the operator controlarrangement 1316 which is connected by means of a line connection,illustrated in dashed lines, and can be designed as a ring unit which isseparate from the grip and is mounted on the handlebar (if desiredsimilarly to FIG. 22) or can be integrated into the grip 1312 or thegrip unit 1314 of said grip, as is illustrated in FIG. 23.

FIGS. 24, 25 and 26 show two further examples of the control devicesaccording to an embodiment. Both control devices also fulfil thefunctions of the electronic units as well as the functional principle ofthe electrical operator control arrangement of the precedingembodiments.

The control devices shown include a manually operable operating element1418, 1518 and an electronic circuit arrangement arranged in a housing1430, 1530 and thus not visible here. The electronic circuit arrangementhas already been described in detail in connection with the previousexamples. The operating element 1418, 1518 is rotatably mounted on thehousing 1430, 1530. The housing 1430, 1530 receives the electroniccircuit arrangement and is arranged externally on the handlebar.

The embodiments shown in FIGS. 24, 25 and 26 of the control devicediffer mainly in view of their attachment to the handlebar, which willbe discussed later. The functional principle of the control devices isthe same for both embodiments and will therefore be described only byway of one embodiment with reference to the FIGS. 24 and 25.

FIG. 24 shows the control device in a state mounted to the bicyclehandlebar 1410. The control device is located in the direction of travelon the right side of the bicycle handlebar 1410 in the vicinity of thehandle 1412. With the manually operable operating element 1418 of theoperating arrangement an electromechanical rear derailleur (not shown)is controlled wirelessly. Depending on the direction of movement of theoperating element 1418 shifting into a higher or lower gear isperformed. In the example shown only one operating arrangement tocontrol the rear derailleur is necessary. Modern bicycle drives oftencomprise a single front chainring and a rear multi-sprocket assemblywith a large number of sprockets. A single chainring in combination witha multi-sprocket assembly with ten, eleven or twelve sprockets covers awide range of gear ratio and has proven itself. Also, a furtherincreased number of thirteen or fourteen sprockets would be conceivable.Due to the single chainring no front derailleur is necessary andtherefore no further operating arrangement.

Of course, an additional control device controlling an electromechanicalfront derailleur or another bicycle component could be placed at to thestill free left handlebar if required. The additional control devicewould follow the same principles.

The functional principle of the control device will now be explainedwith reference to FIGS. 24 and 25 a to c more accurately. The operatingelement 1418 is moved by the thumb and/or finger. The movement is arotational movement of the operating element 1418 about a rotationalaxis 1490. The operating element 1418 rotates about the rotational axis1490 relative to the stationary housing 1430. The operating element 1418is rotated from its neutral position in a first direction of movementclockwise about the rotation axis 1490 as the driver applies pressure tothe first contact surface 1419 a of the operating element 1418.Accordingly, the operating element 1418 is rotated in a second directioncounter clockwise about the rotation axis 1490 as the driver appliespressure to the second contact surface 1419 b. The operating element1418 is formed so that there are multiple options for the driver to movethe operating element 1418. The contact surfaces 1419 are formed onprojections and/or indentations. Pressure can be applied to either thefront or back sides of such a projection and results in a movement in afirst or second direction of movement.

The housing 1430 comprises two housing halves and receives both theelectronic circuit arrangement, including the antenna and the battery.Of course, the housing can also consist of more than two parts. Thebattery compartment 1432 for a replaceable battery is a sealed with abattery compartment cover (battery and battery compartment cover are notshown). The battery powers the electronic circuit arrangement withelectric energy. The housing 1430 also includes retainers for the twoelectrical contact switches 1460. The electrical contact switches 1460are received in the housing 1430, so that on the one side they can beactivated by switch contact surfaces 1418 a, b of the operating element1418, and on the other side they are connected with the electroniccircuit arrangement inside the housing 1430. One end of the electricalcontact switch 1460 faces the operating element 1418 and the other endof the electrical contact switch 1460 faces the electronic circuitarrangement.

It is conceivable to make the operating element 1418 replicable so thatit can be ergonomically adapted to the needs of the driver. The drivercould then select from a variety of differently designed controlelements with regard to shape, size, material and/or surface texture. Areleasable coupling of the operating element to the housing by means ofthe rotation axis would be easy to implement.

By moving the operating element 1418 from its neutral position a firstor second electrical contact switch 1460 a, b is activated and as aresult a control command is sent from the control device to thecomponent to be controlled, which is the rear derailleur. The electricalcontact switches 1460 are conductively connected to the electroniccircuit arrangement, which is arranged within the housing. In the firstdirection of movement (clockwise) of the operating element 1418, a firstelectrical contact switch 1460 a is activated by a first switchoperating surface 1418 a on the back side of the operating element 1418,which presses the first electrical contact switch 1460 a. In responsethereto, a first signal is generated and sent to the rear derailleur tobe controlled for shifting in the next lower gear. In a second movementdirection of the operating element 1418 (counter clockwise), a secondelectrical contact switch 1460 b is activated by a second switchactuating surface 1418 b on the back side of the operating element 1418,which presses the second electrical contact switch 1460 b. In response,a second signal is generated and sent to the rear derailleur forshifting to the next higher gear. If the operating element 1418 is heldin the active position, more than one gear steps are shiftedsuccessively.

The arrangement of the operating element 1418 and its interaction withthe electrical contact switches 1460 can best be seen in FIGS. 25a to25c . For a better understanding FIG. 25c shows the control devicewithout the operating element 1418 so that the electrical contactswitches 1460 are visible.

The two electrical contact switches 1460 are spring loaded and push theoperating element 1418 back into its neutral position. Upon actuationthe electrical contact switch itself generates a haptic feedback andtransmits it to the operating member. The electrical contact switches1460 are designed as snap-action switches. A snap-action switch isadvantageous because it produces both, the electrical contact and thehaptic feedback. Other components are not necessary. In addition, theforce-displacement characteristics of the snap-action switch can beadapted to allow the activation by means of the driver's thumb orforefinger, and still to generate sufficient haptic feedback. In theillustrated example, two electrical contact switches with differentproperties are used. The first electrical contact switch 1460 acomprises a weaker spring element as the second electrical contactswitch 1460 b. This means the driver must exert less force in onedirection of movement of the operating element 1418 for shifting than inthe other direction of movement. Typically, the first contact surface1419 a is operated with the index finger and the second contact surface1419 b with the thumb. With the thumb pressure can be applied moreeasily than with the index finger. To create a similar shift feel thesecond contact surface 1419 b (thumb) interacts with the secondelectrical contact switch 1460 b, having a stronger spring element thanthe first electrical contact switch 1460 a. This can also be seen by thedifferent sizes of the two electrical contact switches 1460. Thesnap-action switch is compact enough to be comfortably operated andtakes little space.

Alternatively, a snap disc (snap dome) can be used as an electricalcontact switch.

The electronic circuit arrangement is accommodated together with theantenna in the housing 1430 which is held on the outer circumference ofthe handlebar 1410. The housing 1430 is fixed to the handlebar 1410 bymeans of an annularly surrounding fastening device. The fastening deviceis designed as a separate clamp 1420. Alternatively, the fastener couldbe formed as an integral portion of the housing (see FIG. 14).

FIG. 24 shows the control device assembled on the handlebar 1410. Thecontrol device is secured to the handlebar 1410 by a clamp 1420 or aclamping ring. The clamp 1420 or the clamping ring encompasses thehandlebar 1410 and can be mounted to it in a torque proof manner. Theclamp 1420 allows both a translatory positioning along the handlebaraxis, and a rotational alignment with respect to the brake lever. Thecontrol devise and the brake lever are positioned to each other so thata collision-free and ergonomic handling is possible.

Similarly as in the embodiments in FIGS. 14 to 23 in this embodiment,all components are arranged outside of the handlebar 1410. The controldevice forms a unit which is located outside of the handlebar 1410making it easily accessible and easy to install. An arrangement outsideof the handlebar has the advantage that (radio) signals to betransmitted are easily transferable. Nevertheless, the arrangement ofthe electronic circuit arrangement in the housing 1430 provides enoughprotection from dirt and moisture.

The electronic circuit arrangement comprises a circuit board assembly.The antenna is arranged as a module on the circuit board assembly. Forthe best possible transmission, the antenna including the housing 1430is oriented so that the signal as far as possible can be transmitted tothe controlled bicycle component without obstacles. In order not todisturb the transmission of the radio signals, the housing 1430 isformed from a non-metallic material. In the embodiment shown, anelectromechanical rear derailleur arranged on a rear wheel, so that thehousing is arranged to point to the rear and downward seen in thedirection of travel of the bicycle. For example the antenna may beoriented skew to the handlebar axis.

What was said above in relation to FIGS. 24 and 25 is equally applicableto the embodiment shown in FIG. 26. The two embodiments differ mainly inthe nature of their attachments to the handlebar.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the clamp 1420, which thecontrol device on the handlebar 1410 holds simultaneously responsiblefor attachment of the brake lever 1470th FIG. 24 shows the controldevice with the brake lever 1470 next to the handle 1412 to thehandlebar mounted 1410.

The bracket or clamp 1420 is fixed by means of a clamping screw 1422 onthe handlebar 1410. The control device and the brake lever 1470 can bepositioned and fixed in the circumferential and/or longitudinaldirection of the handlebar 1410 by means of the clamp 1420. Between theclamp 1420 and the housing 1430 of the control device, an adapter 1440is arranged. The control device can be moved and positioned in thecircumferential direction of the handlebar 1410 by means of the adapter1440 along a guide 1424 on the clamp 1420. The adapter 1440 is thenfixed in the desired position on the clamp 1420—for example with a screwto be inserted in an opening 1446 in the adapter 1440 and mounted in aslot 1426 in the guide 1424 of the clamp 1420. Adjustability of thecontrol device in the circumferential direction in an angular range ofabout 20 degrees about the longitudinal axis of handlebar is sufficient.

The control device can thus be positioned in addition to and independentof the position of the brake lever 1470 along the guide 1424 of theclamp 1420 in the circumferential direction of the handlebar 1410. Inaddition to the adjustment in the circumferential direction of thehandlebar 1410 this adapter solution also allows a linear adjustmentsubstantially along the longitudinal axis of the handlebar. A lineardisplacement of about 10 mm to 20 mm allows adaptation to the ergonomicsof most riders. For the linear adjustment the housing 1430 comprises aprojection 1435. The adapter 1440 has two arms which engage around theprojection 1435. The arms of the adapter 1440 can be set by clamping theprojection 1435. Ideally, with the same screw that establishes thecircumferentially fixation through the opening 1446 in the adapter 1440.This version allows the housing 1430 to move continuously linear withrespect to the adapter 1440, and to the clamp 1420.

Alternatively, a stepwise linear adjustment could be realized through anumber of holes or a ratchet in the projection of the housing.

Thus, in the embodiment of FIGS. 24 and 25 positioning of the controldevice in the circumferential and/or longitudinal direction of the armof the handlebar 1410 is possible. With the clamp 1420 at the same timethe brake lever 1470 is attached to the handlebar 1410. The positioningof the control device and the brake lever 1470 are possible independentof each other due to the adapter 1440.

Alternatively, the adapter solution with linear and circumferentialpositioning of the control device relative to the clamp would beconceivable, even without a brake lever attached to the clamp.

Even a mere linear displacement of the control device relative to theclamp would be possible.

Alternatively, two separate mounts can be provided. For example, a clampfor attaching the brake lever and a further clamp for attaching thecontrol device.

FIG. 26 shows a further embodiment of the control device, which ismountable by means of a clamp 1520 on the handlebar. This clamp 1520 isfixed to the housing 1530 and does not allow adjustment of the controldevice relative to the clamp 1520 in linear and/or circumferentialdirection of the handlebar. However, the clamp 1520 allows for apositioning of the control device in the circumferential direction andalong the handlebar axis when the clamp 1520 itself is moved along thehandlebar or rotated about it. The clamp 1520 shown is not designed forthe attachment of a brake lever. The brake lever may have to be mountedand positioned separately from the clamp 1520 to the handlebar.

Alternatively, the clamp could comprise a crank in a region in which thehousing of the control device is attached to the clamp. The crank of theclamp extends either in the direction of the middle of the handlebar ortowards the handle. With such an offset, the control devise is attachedoffset relative to the clamp. For example, a crank of the clamp towardsthe handle moves the control device closer to the handle, making it moreaccessible for the rider, without having to move the clamp towards thehandle. So there may be a certain distance to be bridged, without havingto move the clamp linear along the handlebar. This is especiallyimportant when there is little space or collision of the clamp occurswith other components on the handlebar.

Alternatively, a linear displacement of the control device relative tothe clamp would be conceivable, with a housing having a projection whichcan be engaged in a guide on the clamp and moved relative to it. Thiswould enable a quick adjustment to the ergonomics of the rider, withouthaving to loosen the clamp.

Alternatively, the clamp and the housing, or at least a part of thehousing may be integrally formed. Thus, very few components arenecessary and the assembly costs would be low.

The functional principle of the control device otherwise corresponds tothe variant shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. The housing 1530 includes theelectronic and the battery and also receives the electrical contactswitches 1560. The operating element 1518 is rotatable about the axis ofrotation 1590 of the housing 1530. By pushing one of the two contactsurfaces 1519 a, 1519 b of the operating member 1518, the operatingmember 1518 interacts with one of the two electrical contact switches1560 and sends a control command to the component to be controlled.

While the present invention has been described above by reference tovarious embodiments, it should be understood that many changes andmodifications can be made to the described embodiments. It is thereforeintended that the foregoing description be regarded as illustrativerather than limiting, and that it be understood that all equivalentsand/or combinations of embodiments are intended to be included in thisdescription.

1. A control device for a bicycle, which control device is arranged orcan be arranged on a handlebar of the bicycle and serves to wirelesslydrive at least one electronic, electrical, electromechanical orelectrohydraulic component of the bicycle, comprising: an operatorcontrol arrangement which has at least one manually operable operatorcontrol element and is designed to respond to operation of the operatorcontrol element in a first and a second direction and to outputelectrical signals which represent the operations, the operator controlelement configured to be operated with less force in the first directionthan the second direction to output the electrical signals; at least oneelectronic circuit arrangement comprising a radio communication circuit,a control circuit which is connected or can be connected to the operatorcontrol arrangement, and at least one antenna which is connected or canbe connected to the radio communication circuit or which is integratedinto the said communication circuit, wherein the control circuit isdesigned to transmit wireless control commands to the at least oneelectronic, electrical, electromechanical or electrohydraulic componentof the bicycle or to a command unit which is connected or can beconnected to the said component by cable or in a wireless manner by theradio communication circuit and the antenna on the basis of electricalsignals which are received by the operator control arrangement.
 2. Thecontrol device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic circuitarrangement which is arranged concentrated in one spatial region orextends along a non-linear line of extension has a printed circuit boardarrangement, comprising at least one printed circuit board which is offlexible design at least in regions or a plurality of printed circuitboards which are connected by flexible conductors.
 3. The control deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the electronic circuit arrangement isarranged or can be arranged at least partially adjacent to one end ofthe handlebar.
 4. The control device according to claim 1, furthercomprising a plurality of units which are connected or can be connectedin a wireless manner or by a cable arrangement and each are arranged orcan be arranged as a separate component on or in the handlebar,comprising: i) an operator control unit which has the operator controlarrangement, a control unit which has at least the control circuit and,if desired, the radio communication circuit, and an antenna unit whichhas the antenna; or ii) an operator control unit which has the operatorcontrol arrangement, and a control unit which has the control circuit,the radio communication circuit and the antenna; or iii) a first unitwhich has the operator control arrangement and the control circuit, anda second unit which has the antenna, wherein the first or the secondunit also has the radio communication circuit; or iv) an operatorcontrol unit which has the operator control arrangement and the antenna,and a control unit which has the control circuit, wherein the operatorcontrol unit or the control unit also has the radio communicationcircuit.
 5. The control device according to claim 4, wherein a grip unitis designed such that it is integrated with the operator control unitor/and with the antenna unit, wherein the operator control unit isprovided in a region of the grip unit which is closer to the center ofthe handlebar, and the antenna unit is provided outside a grip region ofthe grip unit by way of which grip region a cyclist is intended to graspthe grip unit.
 6. The control device according to claim 4, wherein agrip unit has a cable arrangement or a guide for the cable arrangement.7. The control device according to claim 1, wherein a unit which has theoperator control arrangement, the control circuit, the radiocommunication circuit and the antenna and forms a component which isarranged or can be arranged on or in the handlebar.
 8. The controldevice according to claim 7, further comprising a fastener for fasteningthe unit to a grip unit.
 9. The control device according to claim 1,wherein the electronic circuit arrangement is accommodated or can beaccommodated at least partially within a hollow section of thehandlebar, or/and is arranged or can be arranged such that it extends atleast partially around an outer circumference of the handlebar at leastin regions.
 10. The control device according to claim 9, wherein the orat least one antenna is accommodated in the hollow section of thehandlebar or projects out of the hollow section of the handlebar at oneend of the handlebar, or is arranged adjacent to this end.
 11. Thecontrol device according to claim 9, wherein the or at least one antennais arranged or can be arranged on an outer side of the handlebar suchthat it is offset in relation to a grip of the handlebar in thedirection of the center of the handlebar.
 12. The control deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein the printed circuit board which is offlexible design at least in regions, or the printed circuit boards whichare connected by flexible conductors, extend or can be arranged so as toextend around an outer circumference of the handlebar at least inregions.
 13. The control device according to claim 9, wherein theantenna is supported by a printed circuit board arrangement of theelectronic circuit arrangement, wherein the printed circuit boardarrangement is accommodated or can be accommodated at least partiallywithin a hollow section of the handlebar or is arranged or can bearranged such that it extends around an outer circumference of thehandlebar at least in regions.
 14. The control device according to claim9, further comprising a housing which accommodates the electroniccircuit arrangement and, if desired, the antenna (and is inserted or canbe inserted into the hollow section of the handlebar at least inregions, or is mounted or can be mounted on the outer circumference ofthe handlebar.
 15. The control device according to claim 14, wherein thehousing is accommodated or can be accommodated entirely in the hollowsection of the handlebar, or has an inner housing section which isaccommodated or can be accommodated in the hollow section of thehandlebar, and has an outer housing section which projects beyond oneend of the handlebar, wherein the outer housing section has a largeroutside diameter than the inner housing section.
 16. The control deviceaccording to claim 14, wherein the housing has an annular or sleeve-likehousing section which extends around the handlebar.
 17. The controldevice according to claim 15, wherein the housing has a receptacle forat least one replaceable battery by way of which electrical energy canbe supplied to the electronic circuit arrangement.
 18. The controldevice according to claim 17, wherein the receptacle is accessible byopening a housing closure or by disconnecting a plurality of separatehousing sections from one another.
 19. The control device according toclaim 18, characterized by two housing half-shells which are puttogether or can be put together to form the housing.
 20. The controldevice according to claim 15, wherein a control unit has the housing andis connected or can be connected to a separate operator control unitor/and to a separate antenna unit by at least one plug connectorarrangement.
 21. The control device according to claim 20, wherein thecontrol unit is connected or can be connected to the operator controlunit by the plug connector arrangement and a cable arrangement which isguided through a grip unit.
 22. The control device according to claim20, wherein the operator control unit is inserted or can be insertedinto a receptacle in the control unit or/and into an end section of thehollow handlebar so as to establish the connection of the operatorcontrol unit to the control unit by the plug connector arrangement. 23.The control device according to claim 20, wherein the operator controlunit is integrated into a grip unit or is arranged or can be arranged onthe handlebar adjacent to the grip unit in the direction of the centerof the handlebar, and the control unit is connected or can be connectedto the operator control arrangement by the plug connector arrangementand a cable arrangement which is guided through the grip unit.
 24. Thecontrol device according to claim 23, wherein the operator control unitor the grip unit has the antenna.
 25. The control device according toclaim 22, wherein a grip unit, which is separate from the control unitand the operator control unit, has the antenna.
 26. The control deviceaccording to claim 9, wherein the electronic circuit arrangement or aprinted circuit board arrangement thereof extends over a circumferentialangle of at least 180 degrees.
 27. The control device according claim 9,wherein a housing has the at least one operator control element in afirst circumferential angle region, and has a receptacle for the atleast one battery in a second circumferential angle region which isoffset in relation to the first circumferential angle region.
 28. Thecontrol device according to claim 1, further comprising a housing whichis held on the outside of the handlebar and which contains theelectronic circuit arrangement and the antenna.
 29. The control deviceaccording to claim 28, further comprising a fastening apparatus whichfixes the housing on the handlebar.
 30. The control device according toclaim 29, wherein the housing projects laterally from the fasteningapparatus in the direction of the center of the handlebar.
 31. Thecontrol device according to claim 29, wherein the fastening apparatushas the operator control arrangement.